District Chronicles V14 Issue 32 by District Chronicles

AREA ORGANIZATIONS HELP TEENS WITH PROM DREAMS 4 | 12

Howard University Hospital surgeon shares her cancer battle on PBS Page 8 April 2 - April 8, 2015

Bernice King talks violence this Good Friday Page 5 www.districtchronicles.com

Volume 14 Issue 32

Editorial

Fox’s “Empire” shows that Black dollars matter

FOX

Millions tuned into Fox network’s hip hop drama “Empire” week after week but who is really benefiting from the money being raked in?

By Ron Busby, Sr. NNPA Columnist

Submit

your story ideas, stories and commentaries to lkaggwa@howard.edu

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ccording to a Nielsen consumer report, African Americans are voracious consumers of media, watching 37 percent more television than any other slice of American demography. While that’s not new news, it is disturbing that we don’t completely understand the connection between our TV consumption and the huge profits generated by our connection to television. To be fair, some TV programming can actually be beneficial. The recent coverage of the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” opened the eyes of generations of Americans who were unaware of the brutality of racial oppression in America. Much of television, however, is simply escapist entertainment for us, but a tremendous cash cow for programmers and advertisers. Take, for example, “Empire” on Fox. The network is known for its history of racist banter and has exploited Black America while simultaneously benefiting from Black consumers. Statistics show that “Empire” is Fox’s highest grossing show in three years, which translates into a huge pay-off for Fox. How big? How about the $45.2 billion Comcast/Time Warner merger? How about the $48.5 billion AT&T acquisition of DirecTV or the estimated $1.3 trillion dollars spent an-

nually by Black consumers? Not to mention the $20 billion lawsuit filed by the National Association of African American Owned Media and Entertainment Studios Networks, against Comcast, Time Warner, and other civil rights organizations as party to a plan to ensure that profits from Black viewership continue pouring into the same pockets? We’ve watched with interest and commented on this situation earlier, but the situation has not improved. We will reserve judgment on the soundness of Entertainment Studios Network’s CEO Byron Allen’s pending legal action, but there are a few things of which we are absolutely certain: No telecom giant has a plan for meaningful participation/inclusion of Black business in their day-today procurement activity; No programming giant has a plan to include, develop or support the development of positive Black portrayals to any meaningful degree; No cable/pay TV provider makes programming targeting Black consumers available at their basic service level, which requires their best customers to pay extra to view their favorite shows; No advertiser using the TV/ PayTV medium includes Black business in any significant way

in the development, production, delivery/distribution of their products to this loyal consumer base. Telecom companies and consumer product companies are gearing up for an assault on your wallets like nothing you’ve ever seen, and if you’re riveted by the latest episode or game-of-the-week, you may not even notice your pocket being picked. Decisions about your money are being made right now. These decisions are being made by people who don’t know you, and whose only interest is how long you’re in front of your TV before you go buy the products they are selling. We understand it’s about business – big business. We also understand that it is Black consumers’ money that makes the business so big. But if Black businesses don’t flourish as a result of all this activity designed to move dollars out of Black pockets, we’ll be back to “Good Times” in the projects instead of building “Empires.” All the more reason to invest money in the Black community. If you can devote time to watching your favorite television show, then you can also devote time to buying from your local Black businesses. Make #Blackdollarsmatters not just a hashtag, but a way of life. Ron Busby, Sr. is president of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

Finance

Report: Blacks at rock bottom of America’s equality index By Hazel Trice Edney (TriceEdneyWire.com) – Amidst continued struggles to maintain voting rights, protests to end shootings of unarmed Black males by police, and a constant press to lower the jobless rate for African Americans, a new report found that Black America is still not receiving nearly half of its economic fair share. The closely guarded report, titled the “State of Black America,” issued annually by the National Urban League, unveils statistical indexes comparing the AfricanAmerican and Latino communities, to the White community. In the category of economics, the Black community only gets between 54.4 percent and 55.8 percent of what Whites get, the report states. Latinos receive 61.7 percent of the economic pie, approximately 5.9 percent more than Blacks. “Imagine if we were to summarize how well African Americans and Latinos are doing, compared to Whites, in the areas of economics, health, education, social justice and civic engagement, and represent that by a pie,” explains the executive summary of the report, officially released during a press conference led by NUL President/ CEO Marc Morial on March 19. “The Equality Index measures the share of the pie that African Americans and Latinos get. Whites are used as the benchmark because the history of race in America has created advantages for whites that persist in many of the outcomes being measured.” When combining economics, health, education, social justice, and civic engagement, the overall equality index for Blacks comes to 72.2 percent. “That means that rather than having a whole pie (100 percent), which would mean full equality with Whites, African Americans are missing about 28 percent of the pie,” the report explains. The overall equality index for Latino Americans is at 77.7 percent; which means Hispanics are missing 22.3 percent. This means overall, the overall equality index for LatinoAmericans is 5.5 percent higher than African Americans.

YOU Choose The Deal!

National Urban League’s Morial reports African Americans are not getting their fair share.

The following are other indexes in the report summary: Health - 79.8 percent for African Americans and 106.9 percent for Hispanics. Education - 76.1 percent for African Americans and 74.6 percent for Hispanics. Social Justice - 60.6 percent for African Americans and 72.7 percent for Hispanics. Civic Engagement - 104 percent for African Americans and 71 percent for Hispanics. The report, which comes with a backdrop of intense social unrest, also features essays by Benjamin Crump, lawyer for the families of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, unarmed teens killed by gun fire; Alfred Liggins, president/ CEO of Radio One; Sacramento, Calif. Mayor Kevin Johnson, president of the U. S. Conference of Mayors, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. Among excerpts from their essays, Crump says of the killings of unarmed Black males, “The symbiotic relationship between the prosecuting attorney and law enforcement, as well as the unbridled autonomy of the prosecuting attorney in the secrecy of a grand jury proceeding, often bar access to justice for people of color in these cases. We cannot afford to continue to trust their discretion.”

Liggins, the son of media mogul Radio and TV One founder Cathy Hughes, predicts that business ownership will ultimately pull African-Americans out of the economic slump. “I believe that business ownership is a must to truly dictate the long-term success and trajectory of one’s life, family and generations to come,” writes Liggins. “In fact, it is African-American business ownership that will save our communities by stimulating the economy, generating jobs and decreasing crime. In short, the true color of freedom is green.” The report also focuses at length on educational gaps and school system successes and failures. Overall, it concludes that while many of NUL’s findings are positive, the overwhelming reality is that racial inequality is still pervasive nationwide. “President Obama opened his January 2015, State of the Union address touting a lower unemployment rate than before the financial crisis, more children graduating than ever before and more people insured than ever before,” the report states. “While each of these milestones is reflected in the 2015 National Urban League Equality Index, it also tells a less popular, though all too familiar, story of persistent racial disparities in American life.” The full articles and report can be found in the 2015 State of Black America e-book or at www.stateofblackamerica.org.

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Neighborhood

Metro Briefs: Notable news in and around Washington District of Columbia Prom season made affordable with donations to Dresses4Dreams

amily Matters of Greater Washington hosted its fourth annual Dresses4Dreams Networking Reception last night at the Dirty Martini in downtown Washington, D.C. Presented by Remy Martin and WPGC’s “Sunni and the City,” more than 50 people attended the networking reception, which raised an estimated $685, secured donations of over 50 gently-used and new dresses and suits and received a donation of 500 ties from Suited Lifestyles. Sponsored by Walgreens, the program will donations to create boutiques and a men’s shop for D.C.-based low-income teenage girls and boys to select free dresses, shoes, accessories, suits, shirts and ties for prom. At the boutique, each girl will also have the opportunity to interact with professional stylists and win a free hair styling, manicure, or make-up application. The 2015 Dresses4Dreams boutique events will be held on the following dates and at the following locations: April 9, 4-7 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Library, located at

District of Columbia Registration is open for Bike to Work Day

4 | Apr. 2 - Apr. 8, 2015 | District Chronicles

More than 10,000 area commuters are expected to participate in this year’s Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15. The free celebration of bicycling as a fun and healthy way to get to work is sponsored by Montgomery County Commuter Services, Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. There will be 79 pit stops throughout Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia where bikers can drop in for refreshments

Low income teenagers will shine in donated formal wear as prom season kicks off.

901 G Street, N.W. April 15, 4-7 p.m., at Family Matters of Greater Washington, located at 1509 16th Street, N.W. The 2015 Dressing4Dreams-Men’s Shop event will be held on April 22, 4-7 pm, at the Family Matters of Greater Washington. “Recent studies have shown that young girls spend, on average, $1,139 in costs to attend prom,” said Tonya Jackson Smallwood, president and CEO of Family Matters. “For families living below the poverty level, this can place an and a chance to enter to win bicycles and other prizes. Cyclists are encouraged to register online. Free t-shirts will be distributed at pit stops to the first 14,000 registered participants. Montgomery County Commuter Services is sponsoring morning pit stops, which will feature a raffle with the grand prize of a bicycle. The Montgomery County pit stop locations will be in: < Bethesda –Woodmont and Bethesda avenues < Bethesda – National Institutes of Health (NIH) Building One < Bethesda – Naval Bethesda Support Activity

undue burden and prevent some young girls from taking part in this important rite of passage. We are committed to helping District girls achieve their dreams of attending prom, regardless of their family’s income.” Family Matters of Greater Washington is a non-government, nonprofit organization accredited by the Council on Accreditation Services for Families and Children, Inc. and the American Camping Association. Family Matters was founded in 1882 and has been an integral part of the Washington, D.C. community for 130 years. < Bethesda – Rock Springs Business Park < Friendship Heights – Wisconsin Place < Gaithersburg – Route 119 and Orchard Ridge Road < North Bethesda – U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission < Rockville – Fallsgrove < Rockville – Town Center < Rockville – Twinbrook < Silver Spring – Discovery Place < Takoma Park – Downtown/ Old Takoma <Takoma Park – Sligo Creek Trail < Takoma Park – Takoma/Langley Crossroads < White Oak – Food and Drug Administration

Divine Intervention

Rev. Bernice King promotes non violence on Good Friday

Medicare covers revolutionary new device that gives seniors freedom from lower back pain Easy-to-use high-tech back brace is now covered by Medicare. Specialists are manning the phones for the next 48 hours to assist seniors in qualifying to get the new Verta Loc back brace and regain their youth. The revolutionary new Verta Loc Back Brace is helping seniors everywhere re-discover an active and pain-free lifestyle. But even better news is that recently approved Medicare coverage means that most seniors with lower back pain can get the amazing Verta Loc – and much-needed relief – at little or no cost. Qualifying is fast and easy with a free phone call within the next 48 hours to the trained Medicare specialists at The Back Pain Resource Center.

LBJ Foundatoin/Creative Commons

Rev. Bernice King will reflects on violence tomorrow, a day before the 47th anniversary of her father’s assassination in 1968.

By Lyndia Grant

une in on Good Friday to Radio One’s Spirit WYCB 1340 to hear “Think on These Things” hosted by me, Lyndia Grant, at 6 p.m. I interview the Rev. Bernice A. King, CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Non-Violent Social Change. She will talk about the continued moratorium that she is shepherding. The King Center website speaks on how the commemoration of the 47th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King will again be remembered. The Center is calling on this continued moratorium on violence for the day, which kicked off last year, on April 4, 2014, by asking everyone to commit to “No Shots Fired.” This means abstaining from shots fired by the tongue (speech), fists (physical violence), or guns (gun violence and media that glorifies gun violence). “This is just one of the ways we can begin to turn the tide of escalating violence in our world,” stated Bernice A. King. According to [This Day in His-

tory’s’ Website], “It was just after 6 p.m. on April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. is fatally shot while standing on the balcony outside his second-story room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The civil rights leader was in Memphis to support a sanitation workers’ strike and was on his way to dinner when a bullet struck him in the jaw and severed his spinal cord. King was pronounced dead after his arrival at a Memphis hospital. He was 39 years old.” The website further shows months before his assassination, Martin Luther King became increasingly concerned with the problem of economic inequality in America. He organized a Poor People’s Campaign to focus on the issue, including an interracial poor people’s March on Washington, and in March 1968 traveled to Memphis in support of poorly treated African-American sanitation workers. Dr. King gave his last sermon in Memphis; he said “We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me

now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop … And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you, but we as a people, will get to the promise land!” According to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change, “If we can make April 4th a day of meditation and action to prevent physical and spiritual violence in our homes, communities and nations,” King continued, “We will be able to honor my father’s legacy in a way that serves the cause of nonviolent change, for which he gave his life.” King also announced that The King Center will remember the assassination of her father by convening a forum, “A Moratorium on Violence: It Starts with Me!” on Saturday, April 4, from 1- 4 p.m. in the Center’s Freedom Hall Auditorium. Lyndia Grant is a speaker, radio talk show host and columnist; visit her website at www.lyndiagrant.com or call 202.263.4621. Her radio show airs Friday at 6 p.m.

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District Chronicles | Apr. 2 - Apr. 8, 2015 | 5

Cover

My second close call with death

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist (NNPA) – Nothing was more startling than when a cardiologist looked me directly in the eyes and said matter-of-factly: “It looks like you had a heart attack.” I was dumbfounded. When? Where? How much damage was done? Why didn’t I know it? It certainly didn’t feel like I had suffered a heart attack. I had just covered and participated in the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. The ceremonies had special significance to me because as a senior at Druid High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, I had participated in the last day of the march in Montgomery, where I saw James Baldwin and Harry Belafonte for the first time. In addition to covering the president’s speech that Saturday, I had received a Freedom Flame Award the same night, and on Sunday morning was one of the speakers at the Martin and Coretta King Unity Breakfast. I walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and completed my writing and editing for the NNPA News Service on Monday. On Tuesday, Ann and I stopped in Buford, Georgia, to visit family. On Wednesday night, I felt a slight pain in my chest, but dismissed it as indigestion. It contin-

ued Thursday night. When the pain persisted Friday night, Ann insisted on taking me to the hospital. We ended up at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Armed with my iPad mini, a book and a notebook, I was prepared for a long wait. However, once my symptoms were shared with the intake nurses, I was whizzed through the paperwork and placed in a room. “We’re going to keep you overnight to see what’s happening,” the attending physician told me. From the way he said “keep me,” I deduced that they were not keeping me around just to get to know me better. Something was amiss and I wasn’t sure what. I was told around midnight that at 7 a.m. that Saturday, a stent would be inserted into my heart to unblock a clogged artery. At the age of 50, I had a triple bypass. I had played quarterback at Druid High and Knoxville College and did not drink – not even wine – smoke or use illicit drugs. Yet, an athletic past and clean living were not sufficient. I was the son of the South, and I had grown up in a family where our grease was cooked in grease. Now, 18 years later, I was told that of the three bypassed arteries, one was completely blocked, one was 97 percent blocked and one was functioning fine. The surgery

itself was not as dramatic as the bypass, which required the heart to be stopped temporarily. This time, the cardiologist made an incision in my groin, placed a stent over a balloon catheter and slid it into the heart muscle to improve blood flow. I was awake, but did not feel any pain. From there, the intensive care nurses took fantastic care of me. I had a follow-up visit and a stress test with Dr. Jigishu Dhabuwala at the North Atlanta Heart and Vascular Clinic before being released to the care of Dr. Boisey O. Barnes, my regular cardiologist in Washington, D.C. Dr. Barnes had already begun discussing getting me into a heart rehabilitation program and enrolling me in a Harvard study to prevent second heart attacks. After writing about my bypass 18 years ago, Bill Pickard, a Detroit businessman, said I had probably saved his life because he took some immediate steps to improve his health after reading about my challenge in Emerge magazine. At the urging of “Uncle Mike” Fauvelle of Setauket, New York, I am writing about my second close call with death, hoping that it will prompt you to not only pay closer attention to your health, but be aware of the small signs of trouble and do something about it immediately.

Heart attack warning signs By Makaela James In 2013, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that residents in the District of Columbia died at a higher rate from preventable heart attacks and stroke than any other state in the country. The Center reported that there were 580 preventable deaths in D.C. from heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Each preventable case of heart attack had signs – signs that were ignored or overlooked as something less important, said Hyattsville, Maryland, cardiologist Raymond Young. “The typical symptoms of a heart attack include crushing, pressure-like chest pain,” said Young. “Some people describe the pain as if an elephant is standing on their chest.” Symptoms may vary in each individual, but Young and the American Heart Association list the following as signs of an impending heart attack: Anxiety/shortness of breath; Nausea/vomiting; Profuse sweating; Dizziness/fainting; Lightheadedness; Chest discomfort; Discomfort

George E. Curry is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA) and BlackPressUSA.com. He can be reached

in other areas of the upper body; Shortness of breath; Breaking out in a cold sweat Heart attack signs in women Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back; Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach; Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort; Back or jaw pain in women; Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness; As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 911 and get to a hospital right away, advised Young.

through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com, on Twitter at @currygeorge and his fan page on Facebook.

Barbara R. Arnwine resigns from Lawyer’s Committee By George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief (NNPA) – Barbara R. Arnwine is not one to back down from a fight. After the U.S. Supreme Court issued a series of rulings that limited the rights of employees to sue their employers for discrimination, she was a key player in a coalition that effectively reversed the rulings by persuading Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1991. When so-called progressive forces urged her to be quiet about voter suppression in the wake of Barack Obama’s election Arnwine was not deterred, issuing her famous “Map of Shame,” a color-coded map of the United States detailing where there were efforts to suppress the Black and Brown vote. The Lawyers’ Committee has announced that after 33 years – 26 at the national level and seven with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights

Under Law of the Boston Bar Association – Arnwine will step down as president and executive director, effective June 30. “She has steered the Lawyers’ Committee into a more active public policy role on a wide range of contemporary civil rights issues, including the response to Ferguson,” said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. “She has been a valued colleague and a faithful servant. We will miss her leadership.” Ralph G. Neas, former chairman of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, said, “Barbara has been a tireless champion on behalf of civil rights for all Americans. Especially noteworthy were her leadership in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 and the enforcement of the Voting Rights Act.” Arnwine started thinking about retiring five years ago but was urged

6 | Apr. 2 - Apr. 8, 2015 | District Chronicles

to postpone her move until after the organization could get through a capital drive and observance of the group’s 50th anniversary. Energized by yet another fight, the high-energy Arnwine was the point person in the fight against voter suppression. In one of her proudest moments, Arnwine brought about meaningful change for victims of Hurricane Katrina. “Before we filed that lawsuit, I had to fight people on my own staff,” recalled Arnwine. “Some refused to work on it and said it was far-fetched.” John Britton, her legal director, didn’t share that view. The Lawyers’ Committee successfully sued the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), contending the agency had a legal obligation to provide housing assistance to victims of natural disasters. “I will never forget it,” said

Arnwine of the speech she gave to some of the victims at a small church in Gulfport, Mississippi “It was a speech I gave where so many people were openly crying. I talked about how God moves even in the midst of tragedy … It was a profound moment. I said to the people that as long were they were willing to fight, that we would be fighting with them; that we weren’t going to be disappearing when the cameras disappeared; that we weren’t going to disappear when the money disappeared; that we weren’t going to disappear when all the volunteers started leaving. “I said the Lawyers’ Committee was going to commit itself for the long-range fight for that community and we did. That’s something I am very proud of. We ended up winning over $170 million in a lawsuit against HUD [the Department of Housing and Urban Development] that helped build housing for that

region’s poor people who had been ignored.” Last May, Arnwine was a finalist for president of the NAACP. One board member told the NNPA News Service at the time, “All of our civil rights organizations have a problem with a woman serving as their chief, day-to-day spokesperson. Second, the clique that runs the board wants someone they can control, not someone like Barbara, who is talented and her own person.” Arnwine said she is not ready to announce what her “encore career” will be. She is hosting a weekly radio program in Washington, D.C., that she hopes to expand and plans to do more public speaking. She has even hinted that she might create a new organization devoted to developing new leadership. Whatever she decides to do, chances are she’ll be fighting to improve the plight of African Americans and never backing down.

Politics

GOP faces uphill battle for minority votes in 2016 By Wamara Mwine

reach, Lott would be in elected office right now. President George W. Bush’s “Brain” Karl Rove knew Lott, but failed to place him in a political or government role during eight years at the White House. The days of Ed Gillespie and Tara Wall must come to a dramatic end if genuine diversity can take hold. Wall is more of a novelty, displayed at the RNC house when it is convenient to maximize the illusion of diversity. Her role is not meant to move or advance any group. There must be a visible effort to put disenfranchised Black Republicans into leadership roles and not just posing for photo opportunities. Ground floor standards of behavior must be established. RNC bylaws must be re-written to enable complete separation between the GOP and the behavior of Republicans like Agema, Depass and Tancredo. The hate talk must end collectively. Rep. Mia Love (RUtah) should not have to go on national television to defend racial incidents like House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) speaking at a white supremacist rally. Where is the list of 200 minority candidates and 75 new office holders Gillespie boasted of? This is deceptive advertising and no journalist has asked where the $6 million money trail ends. The Republican Party is already viewed as suspect

Gage Skidmore/Creative Commons

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – As the 2016 presidential race approaches, Republicans are entering with confidence after reclaiming control of the Senate. However, the GOP’s failed minority outreach remains a looming problem. Without more women and minority votes electing a Republican president will prove to be impossible. Republican Ed Gillespie once said that minority inclusion is a top priority. This pledge was empty and complicated by embarrassing racial incidences; RNC Committeeman Dave Agema refuses to resign after posting a white supremacist essay on Facebook. GOP activist Rusty DePass compared First Lady Michelle Obama’s relatives to an escaped gorilla. Former Montgomery County, Illinois, Chairman Jim Allen called Illinois congressional candidate Erika Harold a “street walker.” The Latino outreach has suffered in similar ways. Former Colorado Republican Tom Tancredo called the National Council of La Raza a “Latino KKK.” In 2013, Latino Republicans watched as Massachusetts Senate candidate Gabriel Gomez lost by 10 percentage points. Where was the GOP’s support pledged in the RNC’s autopsy report? Former Republican Sophia A.

Nelson emerged as a clear solution to the diversity problem. An African-American lawyer and active for two decades in GOP politics, Republican leaders failed to embrace Nelson’s skills and independent thought. Her professional support group was the GOP’s direct link to African-American women voters. In her 2009 article, “The GOP’s Last Chance,” Nelson addressed the alienation of Black Republicans while noting her departure. She wrote: “All of them were loyal and had much to contribute, but they were not given opportunity to advance within the party. In the end, they got tired.” Instead, the GOP promoted Tara Wall. She became a “positive” megaphone for RNC leaders while their inclusion policies failed behind the scenes. I met Wall in 2013 at an expensive steak house. When I mentioned Black Republicans Paul Clinton Harris, Dylan Glenn and Nic Lott, she was dismissive, claiming they weren’t real conservatives as she finished her steak. Wall boasted of lavish dinners and travel with Republican leaders, which led me to conclude that the GOP had found their way to her heart, through expensive meals and martinis. Meanwhile, Nic Lott lost Mississippi’s 34th District Senate seat runoff by just 68 votes in 2007. If the RNC were serious about out-

In spite of Mia Love (R-Utah), the first Republican Black woman in Congress, Republican leaders’ minority, women outreach effort remains dismal.

in the Black community. Presidential hopeful Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) found that out when he spoke at Howard University. With the rash of African-American shootings involving police, Republicans have remained silent during national protests. Some Republicans have stooped to a new low by blaming President Obama

for the Ferguson riots. America desperately needs new Black leaders to address this current conflict, but the GOP has failed to promote them. If they want any chance of winning a national election, the GOP, or the “Grand Old White Party” must leave failed policies to capture this demographic requirement behind.

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HUH surgeon shares battle with cancer in documentary By Shannen Hill Howard University Hospital

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ife, mother and medical specialist, Dr. Lori Wilson allowed cameras to roll as she underwent a double mastectomy. Her surgery and struggle is now part of Ken Burns’ latest documentary, “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies”, which premiered March 30 on PBS. From the age of seven, Wilson, 46, knew that she wanted to be a surgeon. A southern Virginia native, she was fascinated by an anatomy book she found in her house while other kids were reading Dr. Seuss. “I remember when I was little, I would watch “M*A*S*H,” which was a show about surgeons,” said Wilson. “I wanted to be like Hawkeye, who was the guy surgeon who saved people and was good at what he did.” When she was in the 10th grade Wilson was selected to do a summer program focused on cancer research. At the young age of 15 she decided she wanted to become a cancer surgeon. Today she is the division chief of surgical oncology, which focuses on breast cancer, as well as the program director of the general surgery residency at Howard University Hospital, where she completed her residency years ago. Cancer is not foreign to Wilson. Aside from treating hundreds of cancer patients, she also saw both of her parents go through the disease. Her father was in the Air Force and her mother was a stay-at-home mom. However, Wilson says she had never completely understood what it was like to be in the patient’s shoes until she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. “I had my son and breast fed for about a year,” said Wilson. “Since I was over 40, the recommendations were to wait three to four months for my breasts to go down. “It had been about four

Howard University Hospital’s Dr. Lori Wilson shares her battle with breast cancer in the documentary that aired on PBS March 30.

ing if anyone would find out.” Using her own experience, Wilson seeks to educate and help others. “At Howard, we talk a lot about legacy,” said Wilson. “For me, part of that is making sure that your life has purpose. It was important for me because a lot of my patients look like me. We wanted people to see the bigger picture, the humanity, the care and how people just step up. those quiet – Dr. Lori Wilson, Howard University Hospital It’s moments of humanity that help instead of trying to take ev- are really special.” erything on alone. From that mo- Through her diagnoses, Wilment, she decided that she would son’s husband, who she met in be completely open with everyone medical school, has been her greatest support system. Her diagnoses in her life about her diagnoses. “My mom taught me the im- has brought her family closer toportance of letting people who gether and allowed them to share are close to you care for you,” said on a more intimate level. Wilson Wilson. “I wanted to be a patient, said she also receives support from not a physician sort of managing her church and Howard families. my own care. That meant letting To get more of a glimpse into everyone know, because this is Wilson’s life, you can see her feasomething that doesn’t just af- ture in “Cancer: The Emperor of fect me. It took a lot of pressure Maladies,” which is now airing on off and gave me the ability to go PBS. For listings, visit www.pbs. through treatment without worry- org. months, and I realized that one of my breasts didn’t go down to the size that I expected. So, I ended up getting a mammogram and an ultrasound and was diagnosed when my son was a year and a half.” Wilson said she went to church that Sunday, and the message that day was about being in the fight of your life and needing to ask for

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Ebenezer A.M.E. Church of Fort Washington’s senior step team S.T.O.M.P. celebrate their second place win at Howard University.

By Tonesha Townsel Howard University News Service

n a brisk Saturday afternoon last week, children and parents from across metro Washington poured into Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium to help fight use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco – by step dancing. Stomp D.A.T. showcased local youth stepping to promote public awareness about the dangers of using certain legal and illegal substances, namely drugs, alcohol and tobacco, thus the acronym, D.A.T. The organizers said they hope the show will help dispel myths about use of the substances. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the most common excuse for using drugs is that they aren’t harmful because they are “natural.” Nearly 4.2 million people over the age of 12 had a drug abuse or addiction problem, according to the institute. Tony Redz, radio personality for WPGC 95.5, hosted the event and kept the crowd laughing with stints of comedy between each performance. “Man: All the stomping and sweating and working,” said Redz, “them kids stomping so hard they got my heart beating fast. I knew I should have slowed down with those hors d’oeuvres in the back. I’m getting tired just looking at

them kids.” Stomp D.A.T. is sponsored by the Federal City alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the Federal City Public Service Foundation, both in Washington. Its aim is to teach youth confidence and the meaning of sister/ brotherhood. They also teach leadership through the power of step. The coach for the Junior Stomp team of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Maryland, said the primary goal of her team is to minister to people through stepping. “This is why we incorporate scriptures as well as gospel music to our routines,” said Coach Simone Martin. “You never know who may need to be touched by the word of God. Also, it allows them to show the community that just because we are a church affiliated step team, doesn’t mean we can’t do what other step teams do.” Martin said the program also allows the church to mentor the girls who make up the team with school, homework or helping them with discipline. “Performing gives them the chance to display who they are and their different characteristics,” she said “They show themselves in the skits they take on as well as their facial expressions and intensity.” Before the announcement of the victors, Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders, the nation’s 16th Surgeon General, was presented with an award for

her service and leadership by Delta Sigma Theta sorority. This year’s competition, the 13th year of the program, showcased eight teams, including the Polly Stompettes/P.Bodies, Beltsville Steppers, Eagle Steppers, Dem’ Raider Boyz, Steppers With Class, Jaguar Steppers, Jr. Stomp, and On Pointe Step Team. Howard University student Candace Paschal, who has certainly seen her share of stepping with the university’s various fraternities and sororities, said she was impressed by the performances. “I was just completely speechless,” said Paschal. “I wouldn’t have guessed that some of these teams were elementary and high school students. “And those guys that came out there in blue, man, honestly, some of the teams inside could rival some of them out there on the (university’s) yard.” At the end of the night, Eagle Steppers were awarded first place in the Beginners’ Steppers Division. Jaguar Steppers placed 2nd in the All Teams Division. The showstoppers of the night were Dem’ Raider Boyz, who took home first place in the All Teams Division. For treatment and help for friends and family addicted to drugs or alcohol, call the referral hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or visit www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov for local treatment programs.

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District Chronicles | Apr. 2 - Apr. 8, 2015 | 11

In the Neighborhood

Prom Come True makes teen dreams come true By Francisca Fournillier Howard University News Service

pring is here and, the wondrous, once-in-a-teenager’slifetime event known as prom is around the corner. But not all high school seniors can afford to buy their dream dress or tuxedo. Jasmine Jackson was one of those who was on the outside looking in. “I was one of the families that could not afford prom,” said Jackson. “My guidance counselor had to give me some stuff to make it work out. It’s very expensive, the prom, graduation itself, getting the teen ready and looking nice and everything. “A lot of families cannot afford it.” Jackson is now a 23-year-old library technician who works at the Rosedale Library. She started the Prom Come True drive which

supplies free prom dresses, accessories, jewelry, shoes, tuxedos and formal wear that are lightly is and donated by community members. When she started the drive last year, she was surprised by the strong participation. More than 200 dresses were donated. “Last year, I went to Baltimore to pick up 100 dresses,” she said. The drive was so successful, Jackson said, that she had leftovers. “We had more stuff than people,” she said. In order to stay current, the remaining contributions from last year were given to the South Dakota Avenue Goodwill two weeks after the drive. Jackson’s expectation for this year’s event which takes place at the Rosedale Recreation Center on April 25, is that more teens will come out and enjoy the generosity of their community’s donors. So far, there have been 65

dresses donated. Jackson hopes to pass the target of 200 dresses by distribution day. Indicated by the number of donations that were leftover, Jackson thinks it has something to do with pride. To counter that feeling of pride in teens, Jackson invited Chris Cooper of Project Tissue 8, a seamstress, to help out the girls. Cooper is in charge of helping them out with sizing and revamping the dresses to customize it to the teen’s taste. The only charge of the event is the $5 Cooper charges for alterations. The drive benefits high school seniors in addition to residents because the library provides tax receipts that can be used as tax deductions “We have the Friends of The Rosedale Library, which is a 501 (c) corporation, and we’re partnering with them on this program,” she said.

Cherry Blossom Bridal donated dresses line a rack for the Prom Come True drive.

All that is required to receive a prom dress or tuxedo is a high school identification. Jackson encourages prospective high school senior graduates to drop by on

April 25 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to find the dress or tuxedo of their liking. For more information, visit Prom Come True at http://dclibrary.org/node/47738.

Groundbreaking for phase two of Walmart Supercenter, mixed housing unit

Robert Eubanks/DistrictChronicles

Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles

Robert Eubanks/DistrictChronicles

Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles

12 | Apr. 2 - Apr. 8, 2015 | District Chronicles

From top left clockwise: District residents gathered with Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Housing Authority and city officials, A&R Development and Walmart representatives to break ground as phase two of the Northeast Washington transformational development gets underway. The result will be a 312 apartment unit building sitting on a Walmart super center. Participating in ceremony was the mayor, Councilmember Yvette Alexander, DCHA Director Adrianne Todman, A&R Development President Majorie Rodgers Cheshire, Walmart Director of Community affairs Nina Albert and more. (Photo Credit: Robert Eubanks)